Description
These papers primarily concern
Djerassi's research in organic chemistry and include correspondence, reports, and lab
notebooks on optical rotary dispersion and mass spectrometry; other research files
containing correspondence, manuscripts, and reprints; reprints of Djerassi's published
articles; and grant files. There are also some materials pertaining to symposia and
administrative concerns of the Dept. of Chemistry at Stanford.
Background
University research scientist and industrialist, Djerassi is most famous for synthesizing
the first oral contraceptive. Born in Vienna, Austria, in 1923, he emigrated to the United
States in 1939. He received his B.A. in 1942 from Kenyon College and worked briefly with the
Ciba Phamaceutical Company before receiving his Ph.D. from the University of
Wisconsin-Madison. He taught at Wayne State University in Detroit and worked at the
pharmaceutical company Syntex in Mexico before joining the Stanford faculty as Professor of
Chemistry in 1959. He is the author of over 1100 articles, seven books on scientific
subjects, and several novels; his awards include the National Medal of Science, the Priestly
Medal, the first Wolf Prize in Chemistry, and the National Medal of Technology.
Extent
251.25 Linear Feet
Restrictions
All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from, or otherwise use collection materials must
be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford
University Libraries, Stanford, California 94304-6064. Consent is given on behalf of Special
Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply
permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright
owner, heir(s) or assigns. See:
http://library.stanford.edu/depts/spc/pubserv/permissions.html.
Availability
Series 9 (Additional Materials) is restricted.